Summerall Guards head to Pittsburgh

The Summerall Guards will perform twice this weekend when the Bulldogs travel to the University of Pttsburgh for Saturday's game.

The first performance is in front of the stadium before the game starts and  then again at halftime. The Citadel's most recognized performing group is making the trip courtesy of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania area alumni who raised money to bring the unit to fans in their area.

"When you count up all the football games and TV appearances with parades, we perform for more than 2 million people each year," said Maj. Ken Boes, guard advisor and 4th battalion tactical officer. "The guards work hard and they are excellent ambassadors for The Citadel at these events."

This is the unit's second major trip this year. On Sept. 10 the Summerall Guards performed at halftime at the Carolina Panthers game in Charlotte, N.C.

"We always get a wonderful reaction wherever the guards perform," Boes said.

The 61-members of the Summerall Guards practice in late afternoon to practice the unique series of movements based on the old German close order drill. The drill, which is performed to a silent count, has never been written down.

Gen. Charles P. Summerall, president of The Citadel from 1931 until 1953, established the Summerall Guards in 1932. Since then they have performed at presidential inaugural parades, Mardi Gras, the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.; the Azalea Festival in Wilmington, N.C.; the Savannah, Ga., St. Patrick's Day parade, and at professional football games and arenas nationwide.

The 2006-2007 appearances now on the schedule for the Summerall Guards follows. 

23 Sep 2006 - Univ. of Pitt Game